Westlake company takes lead in solar power installations





While solar power still provides less than 1 percent of the country’s energy source, demand for solar has gone up about 30 percent a year during the last 15 years, making the U.S. the fourth largest market for solar power in the world, behind Germany, Spain and Japan.

Despite solar power’s growing popularity, many home users remain concerned about cost.

But today it’s possible to have a complete solar power system installed in the home without up-front costs, says Mitch Katz, owner of Solar Universe in Westlake Village.

The Thousand Oaks entrepreneur began researching the industry about five years ago in response to the $1,500-a-month electric bills he was paying for his 7,000-squarefoot home. At the time, the cost of solar panels was prohibitive.

“Before only the wealthy could afford it, but now everyone can get solar,” said Katz, a 49-year-old retired businessman who opened Solar Universe three years ago.

David Berlinger of Thousand Oaks installed solar panels in his home three years ago for $25,000 after rebates. Berlinger was able to purchase the entire system up front and now doesn’t have to pay his old $1,100 electric bill.

“This coming year, I’ll break even in my investment,” Berlinger said.

Leasing option

About six months ago, Katz’ company began offering free installations to customers who qualified for lease payments.

“The lease cost is 30 to 40 percent less than your current monthly energy bill,” Katz said.

Costs depend on the total price of the system, available solar incentives and homeowner qualifications.

Until recently, homeowners had to pay between $20,000 and $50,000 to install solar panels. But with the leasing option, which includes installation and maintenance costs, homeowners can put in a solar system for no money down.

“Our company’s objective is to provide free solar on as many homes in Ventura and L.A. counties as we can while rebates are still around,” Katz said.

A federal tax credit reduces the cost of solar electric and solar water heating operation. Rebates offered by utility companies are based on expected performance.

While the federal tax credits will continue through 2016, rebates offered by utility companies through state programs are steadily dropping, Katz said.

“Rebates used to be 20 percent of the cost of a system. Now they’re more like 17 percent of the cost,” he said.

Energy hogs

Although Americans make up only 5 percent of the world’s population, the U.S. Dept. of Energy says they consume more than 25 percent of the world’s energy. Only about 10,000 homes in the country are powered entirely by solar energy.

Kerry Fries, manager for Solar Universe, said Simi Valley and Santa Clarita are among the most popular solar communities in Southern California. But installations in the Conejo Valley and other local communities are increasing as more homeowners realize the energy’s affordability.

According to industry sources, Simi Valley has processed 359 applications for residential solar projects and Thousand Oaks processed 262 applications.

“The biggest misconception people have about solar is that it’s way too expensive. But solar is more affordable now than ever before,” Fries said. Residents with electric bills over $250 can benefit from the technology, she said.

Solar Universe in Westlake employs 25 people. It is one of 27 franchises nationwide that offer a variety of options for installing photo-voltaic panels.

“Many people don’t want solar panels in front of their roofs. So we find solutions to put them in the back of their roof or on other parts of a property,” said Katz, adding that his firm can build custom patio covers with solar panels on top.

The equipment installed by Solar Universe has a 25-year warranty and the lease transfers to the new owner if a home is sold. Other benefits include higher home values and extra income from excess energy sold back to the grid, Katz said.



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